Factors of fruit and vegetable intake by race, gender, and age among young adolescents

Abstract

Objective: To explore demographic differences in individual, social, and environmental factors potentially related to fruit and vegetable intake.

Design: Self-report questionnaires administered to a convenience sample of middle school students during regular classes.

Participants: Black and white adolescents, 11 to 15 years of age (N = 736).

Variables measured: Measures included self-efficacy, family dinner frequency, normative beliefs, outcome expectations, modeling, availability, preferences, snack choice, and demographics.

Analysis: Chi-square, general linear models, and Poisson and linear regressions as appropriate.

Results: Black participants reported greater social influences than did white participants, whereas white adolescents reported greater family environmental influences on fruit and vegetable intake. The oldest adolescents reported lower self-efficacy, peer modeling, family dinner frequency, and fruit and vegetable preferences compared with younger adolescents. White participants and females reported a higher preference for vegetables than did black participants and males. Regression models for self-efficacy and snack choice explained 41% and 34% of the variance, respectively. Preferences for vegetables and parental modeling were the strongest correlates of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy was the strongest correlate of snack choice.

Conclusions and implications: Decreases in several factors with age highlight the importance of intervention for this age group. Future research is needed for a better understanding of the formation and modification of self-efficacy and snack choice.